Thank goodness the Texas summer heat is rapidly falling behind in life’s rearview mirror. The summer film series is always fun, but it’s time to get down to business. And as The Paramount is leading up to its first century celebration, another fall season is at our doorstep. The acts are as varied as ever, but all excel in their craft: storytelling, songwriting, singing and playing. Songs and tales of regret and joy can touch our hearts and take us places we were not expecting. Each event is an adventure unto itself, and these roads of emotional journeys can be paved in laughs or tears. Nevertheless, it is the skill and style found in all acts that will engage us and remind of the power of life and art.

Regardless of the guests, the artistry is the signature. And these experiences are ours to behold.

So what’s in store from now until 2015? I’m glad you asked…

The Flatlanders – Sat, 9/20/14 @ 8pm
Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Butch Hancock formed the Flatlanders in Lubbock, TX in 1972. Their original run lasted little more than a year, but the band’s early recordings gained a cult following as each of its members pursued successful solo careers. They reunited in 1998, and are now widely hailed as kings of the country rock and Americana genres they helped create all those years ago.

Garrison Keillor – Tues, 9/23/14 @ 8pm
Garrison Keillor has released several new books since his last Paramount visit: The Keillor Reader; O, What a Luxury: Verses Lyrical, Vulgar, Pathetic & Profound; and a new Guy Noir novel. With this bevy of new material under his arm, there’s no doubt he is prepared to keep you engaged and entertained!

Billy Joe Shaver’s 75th Birthday – Sun, 9/28/14 @ 7pm
Shaver’s legendary status was cemented in 1973 when Waylon Jennings released Honky Tonk Heroes, the seminal outlaw country album comprised almost entirely of Shaver songs. At this special 75th birthday celebration, Shaver will be joined by numerous special guests who he influenced over the course of his decades-spanning career.

Suzanne Vega – Sat, 10/18/14 @ 8pm
Suzanne Vega first emerged as a leading figure of the folk music revival during the 1980s. Best known for her international hits “Tom’s Diner” and “Luka,” Vega has released eight albums to universal critical acclaim over the course of her career. Expect highlights from her 2014 release Tales from the Realm of the Queen of Pentacles at this intimate Stateside engagement.

Don Williams – Wed, 11/5/14 @ 8pm
This Texas native wrote songs recorded by Johnny Cash, Lefty Frizzell, Kenny Rogers, and Waylon Jennings, in addition to notching seventeen number one hits of his own (including the worldwide smash “I Believe In You”). He retired in 2006, but lucky for us, it didn’t stick. Williams is back on the road and back on the Paramount stage.

David Sedaris at the Long Center – Mon, 11/10/14 @ 8pm
Back with his latest book Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls, the always insightful and hilarious David Sedaris is one of America’s pre-eminent humorists. Slicing through cultural euphemisms and political correctness with ease and precision, Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most perceptive writers addressing the human condition today.

Ray Wylie Hubbard’s Annual Birthday Bash – Fri, 11/14/14 @ 8pm
Ray Wylie Hubbard started his career as a folk singer before falling in with the outlaw Texas country scene of the ’70s. His most recent album, Grifter’s Hymnal, finds the Austin icon writing the strongest material of his career. We are thrilled to welcome him back to the Stateside for his annual birthday bash!

Randy Newman – Sat, 11/15/14 @ 8pm
With songs that run the gamut, and a host of unforgettable film scores, Randy Newman has created musical masterpieces, widely recognized by generations of audiences. His many honors include six Grammys, three Emmys, two Academy Awards, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. After many attempts, we are thrilled to have Mr. Newman perform at the Paramount!

Leon Russell – Sat, 11/22/14 @ 8pm
Hailed as one of the most accomplished and versatile musicians, Leon Russell has written, produced, and played on countless classics over the course of his 50 year career. Most recently, he collaborated with Elton John and T-Bone Burnett for the Grammy-nominated album The Union, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.

Rick Steves – Wed, 12/3/14 @ 8pm
Guidebook author and travel TV host Rick Steves is America’s most respected authority on European travel. Producer of more than 50 guidebooks, host of America’s most popular travel series on public television as well as a weekly hour-long national public radio show and a weekly syndicated column, Steve is an enthusiastic and prolific speaker that will both inform and entertain.

Darlene Love Christmas Show – Thurs, 12/4/14 @ 8pm
Darlene Love is one of the finest singers to ever pick up a mic. From her first hit “He’s A Rebel” to the countless songs she sang backup on for artists like Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley, Dionne Warwick, Cher, and Aretha Franklin, 2011 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Darlene Love is an unsung hero finally getting her due.

The Moth – Thurs, 12/11/14 @ 8pm
Now considered an annual tradition at the Paramount, The Moth returns with all new stories and storytellers. Hailed as “New York’s hottest and hippest literary ticket” by The Wall Street Journal, The Moth has presented more than three thousand stories, told live and without notes, by people from all walks of life to standing-room-only crowds worldwide.

Kelly and Bruce’s Holiday Shindig with the Relatives – Sat, 12/13/14 @ 8pm
Join Texas country music’s first couple for their annual holiday show at the historic Paramount Theatre. Each year, the singer-songwriter husband-and-wife duo perform songs from their Christmas album Happy Holidays, holiday-themed classics, and more! Dallas-based gospel funk heroes the Relatives kick off the festivities.

Allen Toussaint – Sat, 1/31/15 @ 8pm
76 year-old Allen Toussaint is arguably the finest living purveyor of New Orleans music. His work as a songwriter, producer, arranger, and performer shaped the foundations of rock ‘n’ roll, R&B, and funk. This show will be the first in our Paramount Studio Performance Series, where we’ll enclose the upper areas of the auditiorium to bring the audience a much more intimate performance setting!

2015 Ameripolitan Awards – Tues, 2/17/15 @ 8pm
The Ameripolitan Music Awards acknowledges those artists whose music honors tradition while demonstrating exceptional originality, creativity, and musicianship. Through their work, Ameripolitan Music will ultimately be defined. Ameripolitan Music is a new music genre with prominent roots influence. It is broken into four related subcategories: Honky Tonk, Western Swing, Rockabilly and Outlaw.

Kodo Drummers – Thurs, 2/19/15 @ 8pm
Exploring the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum, the taiko, Kodo is forging new directions for a vibrant living art-form with their desire to play the drums simply and with the heart and enthusiasm of a child. Kodo strives to both preserve and re-interpret traditional Japanese performing arts.

It’s a fine half year, and tickets are available now. You can subscribe or buy tickets separately. Th countdown to 100 years is on, and the stars coming shine brighter than the marquee lights out front. We can’t wait to see you.

“I grew up in a small town where I went to the movies a lot and fell in love with all these people. I also fell in love with the movie business. So all I saw were actors on the screen so I thought, well, that’s what I have to be if I want to be a part of the movie business.”

-Robert Osborne

At some point in our lives, all of us have wanted to be associated with movies. Whether it’s a child who watches a cartoon or superhero movie and acts them out, or someone who actively chases the dream of going to Hollywood, we want to be part of the movies. It’s part of the appeal. Some actually follow their dream and become the movie stars, directors or any other movie craftsman. There are plenty of opportunities out there. I mean, have you read the credits to any movie lately? There are literally thousands of roles in which one can get into the movie business. The only problem is that you have to compete with about a few hundred thousand others, so the odds are still 500 to 1.

So the trick is to create your own role. That’s what Robert Osborne did, and it helps that he’s just the absolute best.

Decades ago, Osbourne graduated with a degree in journalism and went to Hollywood to try his hand at the business. He was quickly signed as an actor at Desilu studios, spearheaded by Desi Arnez and Lucille Ball. After a few roles, Lucy herself recommended to Robert that he pursue his writing career, and he considers it to the be the single best piece of advice he ever received. He pushed his original career path of journalism but now with an unprecedented Hollywood flavor. He became a scribe and focused his energies on the Academy Awards themselves. His first book, Academy Awards Illustrated, was published in 1965. And ever since, he’s become Hollywood’s official “biographer of Oscar.” Over the years, he’s parlayed this role into an “ambassador of film” of sorts, and has been a host on Turner Classic Movies since its inception two decades ago.

As part of the 2014 Summer Classic Film Series, The Paramount will be hosting Robert Osborne, and he is bringing an oft forgotten piece of film history with him. On July 20, he is hosting a screening of the film DODSWORTH.

DODSWORTH is a 1936 film directed by William Wyler, director of numerous classics like JEZEBEL, MRS. MINIVER, ROMAN HOLIDAY and BEN-HUR. For those who complain that today Hollywood only uses its resources to make disposable entertainment for tweens and teenage minds, DODSWORTH will be a refreshing breath from when Hollywood made movies for grown-ups. Starring Walter Huston and Ruth Chatterton, the film is a bittersweet story about a marriage in crisis. When a recently retired tycoon and his wife go on a grand European tour, they discover that they desire different things out of life and begin to deal with those consequences. Wyler also uses the film to point out differences between American and European attitudes about etiquette, morality and culture.

Sounds interesting and refreshing all at once. Consider this the oasis in the desert, since those modern multiplexes are featuring dinosaur robots, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson fighting animals and Scarlett Johansson using assassin skills. An Evening with Robert Osborne will be far different than most anything you will find in theaters this summer, and embodies the kind of fare we find at Paramount all summer.

Don’t view it as a mere nostalgic trip to a time long gone from Hollywoods’ heyday, but more of a reminder of the kinds of stories and craftsmanship that motivate us. Inspiration can be as simple as looking up at the screen and being transported to some other place you’d rather be. And when the film stops and the lights go back up, you can work on making your dream become a reality. Whether it’s as a movie star, a screen writer, a director or even a historian like Osborne himself. That, my friends is the part of the magic of movies: creating new worlds and allowing you to create your own.

You can dream all you like, but don’t sleep on this magical experience. Robert Osborne will appear at The Paramount on July 20th at 7:00 p.m.

Obviously, our hearts are with Tracy after this weekend’s accident. Get well soon, Tracy. We’re all pulling for you. The event is cancelled, but the original post is below:

“I do what I do. There are too many personalities that I have to deal with. Everybody don’t like Cap’n Crunch, some people like Chex Mix, I get that. I’m not upset with anyone. But I’m gonna tell my story, how I do it.”

-Tracy Morgan

You know, the season may be over, but that’s no reason to sing the summertime blues at The Paramount. Come to think of it, there’s nothing blue about summers in Austin at all. Temperatures climb, and some people have been known to get crazy from the heat (It helps keep Austin weird, after all). Like an oasis in the desert, The Paramount Theatre is a perfect way to escape those sky-high temps. However, an upcoming show may only offer a respite from the heat while keeping the crazy. Why, you ask? Because we got a whole new brand of insanity coming to the stage, and his name is Tracy Morgan.

Yes, that Tracy Morgan. You know the guy: successful yet polarizing comedian, film star, voice actor, wild card, joker. Emmy-nominated for his role as Tracy Jordan in the critically-acclaimed “30 Rock,” Morgan is loud and outrageous, but also crazier than a bag full of cats. Get ready, Austin. We’re taking weird up a notch, and there’s no telling what could come out of this guy’s mouth. Chances are, it’ll be cray cray.

A staple of the stand-up circuit for years, Morgan grew up in Brooklyn and performed his comedy in his way. After some small but memorable parts in movies and TV shows, Tracy hit the big time when he landed a gig as a regular Saturday Night Live cast member. While his comedy proved to be an “acquired taste,” it wasn’t long before Tracy began to bark his way into American pop culture.

In 2006, Tina Fey launched a pet project of hers, a prime-time comedy, and brought Tracy Morgan with her. On “30 Rock,” he then took his game to a whole new level. Morgan was hilarious as Tracy Jordan, a loose cannon comedian who is called upon to anchor a show but keeps everyone on edge because of his loud and unpredictable tendencies (sound familiar?). At first, I always felt that Morgan was playing a caricature of Martin Lawrence (the meltdown running-in-the-street Martin Lawrence, mind you) and that made for an interesting character during the first season. Yet as seasons went on I realized that Morgan was actually playing an exaggerated version of himself. It’s not easy to stand out on a show that showcased the talents of so many, but Tracy set himself apart in a boisterous way only he could pull off.

Alas, Morgan is no one-trick pony. He’s parlayed his success into other ventures. Morgan wrote an autobiography a few years ago and has provided voice work for the Rio animated movies. Tracy also co-starred in Cop Out, an action/comedy also featuring Bruce Willis. A throwback of sorts to old buddy action movies like 48 Hours, Morgan played the “Eddie Murphy role” (if, you know, Murphy was louder, sweatier and even more raw and delirious).

Soon Tracy will be bringing his game back to TV screens in a FXX comedy produced but the “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” gang. If his work on NBC pushed the envelope of restraint, then his appearance on a network like FXX will likely put that envelope directly into the paper shredder.

Not that Tracy Morgan is all play and no work. He’s worked to offend and isolate many throughout the years, often by “going too far” in expressing candid opinions in interviews. While surely his remarks are simply meant to play for laughs, he’s certainly ruffled some feathers. It’s sometimes kind of amazing that he hasn’t burned bridges left and right through his career.

Tracy, it seems, was born without the filter that most of us have in place before we speak our mind. You know how you see something that irks you and for a split second you wanna rant or otherwise verbally throttle them? Then, after that momentary flare, you realize that you a sane and respectable member of society and dial your reaction back to an eye roll or exasperated exhale. That’s completely normal. And yeah, um… that’s not Tracy. When he speaks, you’re most likely to laugh, but every now and then you’re just as likely to gasp and briefly recoil. Maybe you’re even laugh in spite of yourself.

And truth be told, that’s part of Morgan’s appeal. It’s simple, and yet it’s more than Morgan just “keeping it real.” At time of our lives he all have had that friend that is exactly like Tracy Morgan. You remember the guy. He was in college, or a former co-worker, or an in-law. Heck, they may be your relative right now. They speak their mind, you cringe, then giggle or guffaw because you can’t believe what you just friggin’ heard. And even though you were sometimes shocked, you still liked the guy because he was funny. Because he was crazy.

Always an annual celebration of storytelling, artistic expression and culture, The Paramount and State Theatres once again ready themselves for the upcoming season. This year, however, it will be a tale of two seasons. A fall/winter and then a winter/spring. Two halves, but each still packed with all the amazing performances we’ve grown accustomed to over the years.

As always, you can come to them individually, or you can subscribe to a package (or heck, all of them) for the best selections of seats for the season.

Think of the fall/winter session as Chapter 1, where you will find:

October 15, 2013

Branford Marsalis follows up last year’s successful show with an appearance this year at The Long Center. And this year, he needs the larger stage because his aims are more ambitious. Branford blends the musical worlds of the sacred and the secular with Abyssinian. This gospel celebration features Marsalis’ Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and adds a 70-voice gospel choir, Chorale Le Chateau, all conducted by Damien Sneed. The Long Center will overfloweth with joy on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at 8pm.

October 17, 2013

ACS is a trio featuring three of the most significant female artists in contemporary jazz. Featuring Geri Allen on piano, Terri Lyne Carrington on drums and Esperanza Spalding on bass. Last year Esperanza set hearts afire with her solo show, and this year these ladies are sure to push boundaries with their acoustic creations and dazzle us like no other possibly could. Come listen to their sound reverberate throughout the Paramount’s cozy confines on Thursday, October 17, 2013 at 8pm.

November 5, 2013

For the past few decades, these guys have remained one of rock’s most engaging storytellers. As faces have changed and music cultures have evolved, these legends keep going like a long train runnin’. They’re taking from the streets (if you will) and to The Paramount stage on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at 8pm.

November 6, 2013

Mary Chapin Carpenter & Shawn Colvin collaborate for an evening of musical enjoyment. Together, they revisit songs from their respective catalogues and also cover some of their personal favorites. These two singer/songwriters bring their charm and amazing voices for a special evening at The Paramount on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at 8pm.

November 8, 2013

As if Election Day isn’t entertaining enough, here are a few more reasons to smile in early November. The Daily Show Live brings a unique multimedia presentation to the theatre. Featuring the talents of Comedy Central’s own The Daily Show correspondents Al Madrigal and John Hodgman and executive producer/writer, Rory Albanese, this trio will give a peek behind-the-scenes about the program. Showcasing their skill as natural comedians, this Q&A will be presented by some of the men behind the funniest newscast on television today. Or rather, I should say intentionally funny, because while FOX News is hilarious, I get the impression that they take themselves seriously. Come laugh on Friday, November 8, 2013 at 8pm.

November 20, 2013

Sarah Vowell is, in many way, a modern historian who helps provides a context to our culture. She is New York Times’ bestselling author of six nonfiction books on American history. Sarah offers personal and humorous accounts and musings about the great American quilt’s tapestry of our culture. Also a contributor to This American Life and The Daily Show, she now brings her wit and wisdom to us on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 8pm.

November 20-23, 2013

The best in Improvised Comedy: That’s really all you need to know. This tour cast is hand-picked from the best improv comedians in New York City and Los Angeles, and they’re coming here for… well, who knows what. It’ll be funny and likely to bust your gut. Be prepared to laugh and be ready for anything. Wednesday, November 20th, 2013 through Saturday, November 23rd, 2013 at various times.

December 6, 2013

Now what the heck could I possibly say to do Bob Newhart justice? The master of deadpan humor, he is a comedic genius who has appeared on television, film and is a best-selling standup comic recording artist. Bob Newhart’s career is the very model of generating laughs for decades, and he continues to sell out venues all over the nation. Get into this show before it also sells out. Newhart appears at The Paramount on Friday, December 6, 2013 at 8pm.

December 11, 2013

Every year we get drawn back like a moth to a flame. It’s storytelling. Pure and simple. Engaging, enlightening, and moving like no other, The Moth is back for another set of narratives to grab our attention. This raconteur delight happens again on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 8pm.

December 17, 2013

Alas, America’s spirit of space exploration is on fumes. Weep not for the future, though. If the renown Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson has anything to do with it, we will continue to explore the meaning of the cosmos for decades to come and keep reaching for the stars. Neil is an academic beast, earning eighteen honorary doctorates and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest award given by NASA to a non-government citizen. A fixture in scientific circles for his down-to-earth persona, he breaks apart astrophysics for mass consumption with his signature humor. Live, listen and learn could well be his credo. One thing is certain, he is riveting to infinity and beyond. Come have a listen with Tyson at The Paramount on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at 8pm.

December 19, 2013

American songwriter and pianist Jim Brickman hosts a holiday celebration warmer than your yule log. Join Brickman and his special guest performers presents a blend of music, entertainment and joy. Put down your egg nog, grab your loved ones, and come down to The Paramount on Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 8pm.

January 16, 2014

An entertainer in every sense of the word, Ann Hampton Callaway is an accomplished singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger, actress, educator and producer. At home in concert halls and jazz cabarets, she can reinterpret classics in fresh new ways. Inside The Stateside at The Paramount, Callaway will celebrate Barbara Streisand’s career. From Barbara’s Broadway show tunes to her film works, to pop favorites and more, Callaway will perform Streisand like only she can on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 7pm and 9:30 pm.

January 19, 2014

Two years ago, banjo maestro Béla Fleck and his Flecktones performed a raucous and amazing show at The Paramount. This season, Fleck returns and brings pianist Chick Corea. Both are gifted at musical improvisation, and this duet event will likely be the most impressive and adventurous musical journey you will experience in quite some time. Join them for a night of jazz, bluegrass, classical and any thing else that comes out of their heads on Sunday, January 19, 2014 at 8pm.

January 22, 2014

Ray Price possesses one of the most signature baritones in country music, and has been crooning hits since the early 1950s. Now in his eighties, Price still is going strong and hits the road for a number of shows every year. This year, The Paramount hosts one of these special stops for this long-time staple of country music. Join us on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at 8pm.

January 23, 2014

A former United States Poet Laureate, Billy Collins is an American icon. Critically acclaimed and popular in appeal, he has become the most accomplished poet in the U.S. since Robert Frost. Currently the Poetry Consultant for Smithsonian Magazine, his public readings are always an event to remember. Come share in a new memory at The Paramount on Thursday, January 23, 2014 at 8pm.

January 30, 2014

Hal Holbrook is another living legend of American theater. It should be no real surprise that someone of his stature portrays this American literary giant Mark Twain. But what makes Holbrook even more remarkable is that he created this one-man show nearly six decades ago in a small off-Broadway theatre. Many years and venues later, Holbrook returns to The Paramount as Samuel Clemens’ alter ego. The man portrayed by a legend appears on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 8pm.

It’s going to be the best of times, and … well… Yeah it’s just pretty great. No bad times to be found here.

Don’t miss a single show, or else it may well be the worst of times, indeed.

“Film preservation should be of interest to everyone- from the average film fan to the most erudite scholar. We cannot allow such a significant part of our history to vanish.”

-Leonard Maltin

It’s been another great season at the Paramount, with performers, authors, raconteurs, singers, actors and comedians all bringing their immense talents to the audiences of Austin. It seems like just yesterday that things kicked off with provocative film director Spike Lee, and now the season comes full circle with the affable film critic and historian Leonard Maltin. A staple of the American film critic society, Maltin will conclude the series. With the annual Paramount Summer Classic Film Series imminent, it’s only appropriate the one of the most vocal advocates for film preservation be the guest for the evening.

For over 30 years, Leonard has been the film reviewer for television’s “Entertainment Tonight,” becoming one of the most visible film critics working today. While critics had previously been confined to print in the past, Maltin (along with Roger Ebert, Gene Siskel and Gene Shalit) was at the forefront of film critics who became household names by establishing themselves on TV. While some of his contemporaries could be acerbic or snarky in their reviews, Maltin always projected a warmth and friendliness that set him apart. In fact, he often comes across as just about the nicest film critic who ever reviewed movies.

But Maltin’s efforts aren’t just limited to film critique. He has been a tireless champion for film preservation and restoration. Repeatedly over the years, Leonard has considered himself blessed to have seen so many vintage films during his youth. Alas, the fragile medium of film means that great care must be taken to ensure that future generations get to experience the same stories that were told decades ago. Time and money must be invested into saving film of yesteryear, or we could lose early cinematic works just by doing nothing. Idle hands mean we lose more films as they dissolve into dust.

Leonard Maltin will bring with him a rescued film from an American master. Frank Capra is best known for directing IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, MR SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON and IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT, but there was an early gem of his that was all but lost for six decades. After its recent recovery and restoration, The Paramount will host a screening of this classic: LADY FOR A DAY.

It’s remarkable to think that a film like this was deliberately hidden away. But you know what? It’s just best to let Leonard explain it himself.

After the film, Maltin will be available for a discussion about the film and his thoughts on other endangered works or art. It’s a film lover’s treat and a preamble to the summer series.

For all his hard work and advocacy for film restoration, Maltin gets the eternal gratitude of millions of movie goers. And why wouldn’t we? He’s a charming and affable guy, and you’d have to be some kind of monster not to like this cinematic historian…

Ok, well, maybe not a monster. But certainly a Gremlin.

Leonard Maltin is a modern torchbearer, keeping the flame of classic cinema going for generations to come. In an era of disposable entertainment, let’s all try and remember that there are better ways to introduce future generations to film than with Transformers movies. Come and behold a recovered Capra jewel, and be grateful that we haven’t lost this treasure like dust in the wind. That would be the reel tragedy.

Leonard Maltin brings the delightful LADY FOR A DAY on Friday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m.

“I’ve been keeping a diary for thirty-three years and write in it every morning. Most of it’s just whining, but every so often there’ll be something I can use later: a joke, a description, a quote. It’s an invaluable aid when it comes to winning arguments. ‘That’s not what you said on February 3, 1996,’ I’ll say to someone.”

-David Sedaris

I awoke a couple of days ago and felt an insufferable case of the Mondays; that malaise one feels at the end of March. Deep inside you know it’s technically spring, and it’s supposed to be infused with the feeling of rebirth and renewal and other marketing buzzwords from places like Bath & Body Works.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure why I was blue. Perhaps I was merely run-down. I had, after all, just returned from an amazing Spring Break trip, and trying to get back into the routine of a working life after a prolonged absence is always difficult to readjust to. It’s like when you’re on a people mover at an airport, and you step off of the conveyer belt back onto stationary ground. Your momentum shifts to a halt, and no matter how hard you try to maintain a graceful stride you always step off and land with the grace of a newborn fawn. So this lingering sense of jet lag from international travel combined with fluctuating Texas weather had finally culminated into a generally foggy state of mind.

I was playing ridiculously bad pop music in my head in the shower that morning, when a thought flashed through like a bolt of lightning amidst my brain’s cumulonimbus clouds. Is it…? Is it April already? I blinked and placed the bottle of aromatherapy shampoo in the shower caddy. It… it is April!

And like that, it was as if a sunbeam bore through the clouds. My focus shifted and, like a allergy medicine commercial, the veil lifted and life’s viewfinder was suddenly crystal clear. What does April historically mean to me? Well, among other things, the month brings April showers, schizophrenic weather patterns, clearance Easter candy at the local market, a run on allergy meds, and most importantly… Big laughs here in Austin. In what has now become an annual visit, The Paramount welcomes David Sedaris back to the Long Center for what is sure to be another evening of anecdotes, diary entries, book recommendations, tears and exhausted facial muscles.

In what has become itself a rite of spring, the arrival of David Sedaris to town is more welcome than any weather-forecasting groundhog, velvet-clad leprechaun or chocolate-peddling bunny. When David is in Austin, it’s always a treat. Sure, it’s a peek into the mind of the single funniest man you will ever listen to, but it’s also just so damn hilarious. He may not put the “fun” into “funny,” but he certainly highlights it with his sardonic wit and clever cultural observations.

For those that don’t already know, Sedaris is an author, playwright and a regular commentator on National Public Radio. I love how his descriptions are incredibly vivid. He uses words to paint scenarios and characters in your head as effortlessly as Bob Ross made happy little trees with a sponge and a dab of chartrueuse paint. In fact, this years visit has a greater significance because the day before he speaks, his latest book will be released in stores, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls.

Yes, you read that right. David himself briefly explains the book’s title below:

Needless to say, many of us are eagerly waiting this new collection. Maybe not like those Muggles- er, I mean crazies that camped out for Harry Potter, but certainly with great enthusiasm. And yet, no matter how many times you’ve read his works, there is nothing quite like hearing him tell you a story orally.

There’s a whole new level of vibrancy when you hear David tell a story or read a journal entry. His soothing yet nasally voice elevates his simple tales into high art by underlining the contrast between the nondescript and shocking details of his observations. Imagine your high school Geometry teacher stopped his normal drone about acute angled. Then, without changing the inflection of his voice, continue into a calm rant about the obtuse behavior of a boorish and crass society. David’s dry wit and delivery go down smoothly like a glass of red wine with top notes of sarcasm.

Not merely an advocate for his own observations, a bonus treat at his shows is when he personally recommends something he is currently reading. Last year, he raved about the darkly funny Deadly Kingdom: The Book of Dangerous Animals by Gordon Grice, a collection of anecdotes and facts about some of nature’s thugs, capable of wrecking havoc on humans. A quick read through this and you may proclaim, “The heck with the gun control debate, keep that marsupial away from me!”

In years past, David also takes questions from the audience and will stay afterwards to sign books for all who attend. It would be an ideal time to ask followup questions about his new book, although he may not be willing to explore the glucose levels of Hedwig. You’re better off asking a Harry Potter fan about that one.

So with the fog lifted and my scalp smelling minty fresh, I stepped out of the shower and circled the date on the calendar to mark the annual visit of David Sedaris. Until then, I’ll continue to wash my hair every morning with some of Eucalyptus Spearmint shampoo. The aromatherapy always makes me feel better (according to Bath & Body Works, that is).And while I’m not inclined to believe the marketing, I will still heed last year’s warnings about deadly animals. Here’s hoping that a wild koala won’t attack me because I lathered, rinsed and then repeated.

David Sedaris visits The Long Center as part of the season series on Wednesday, April 24 at 8:00 p.m.

After spring break and the ides of March, the summertime is on the fasttrack for arrival. And, per tradition, we can look forward to the regulars of the warmer months: sunglasses, sunny vacations and the oh so predictable high fuel prices. Like clockwork, we can expect to see the upward creep of dollars and cents at the gas pump after Memorial Day weekend. Heck, you can probably already see it happening now. We scrounge to save mere pennies while burning our dollars on the tried and true money pit that is our continued reliance on oil to fuel ourselves.

There’s just got to be a better way, right?

April and Earth Day is a time for deliberation and activism to preserve our environment. What better way to usher in the month than by continuing The Beautiful World Series at The Paramount this season? This four film series this year is brought to you in conjunction with The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation, and are designed to celebrate, preserve and protect our delicate planet.

Although not from the same filmmakers, FUEL is a spiritual sequel to the ideas raised in the acclaimed documentary AN INCONVIENENT TRUTH. Directed by Josh Tickell, FUEL looks at the topic of energy in America. Tickell makes the film a personal platform as he tries to reconcile his upbringing in Louisiana (an oil-rich state) with the debate towards alternative energy sources. FUEL examines a wide range of energy solutions, the faltering US auto and petroleum industries, and the American mindset toward alternative energy. Along his journey, Tickell advocates the use of biodiesel – a diesel alternative made from plant oils as a possible solution. FUEL presents its case for America to think outside the oil barrel while illustrating that, like Tickell, any one of us can make a difference.

A New York Times Critics’ Pick and winner of the Sundance Film Festival Audience Award for Best Documentary, FUEL is significant film that can impact all who see it. After the screening, a Q&A session will be moderated by The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation. A rousing and inspiration film hopefully yields some advocacy and advancement.

When one considers the expanse of our dependency on oil, it’s clear that America has struggled with an addiction of Lindsey Lohan proportions. Alas, to help stave off our craving, the onus is on us to stage our own intervention. Although we got our first shock during the oil crisis of 1973, decades of geopolitical unrest and posturing has yielded little in our ability to break the habit.

Like George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” What more do we have to endure to initiate a real change and shift in our attitudes?

I mean, think about it. Have we so quickly forgotten this scene from the 70s?

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Spooky what supply and demand hath wroth.

And if that’s not disheartening, how about this scary image from what will likely be the near future?

Often when prices spike, there’s always some faction out there that believe boycotting is the answer, yet it’s often merely just a misdirection. Our real greatest hope is to heed the cautionary signs and look for the next fuel solution. This film aims to help spark discussion and ignite that very action. A rousing and inspirational look at what keeps our country moving, FUEL hopes to get you moving in bold new directions long after the last reel ends.

Your brain is ripe for some fresh perspective on the energy dilemma. Fill ‘er up.

FUEL will be syphoned into your mind on Wednesday, April 3rd 2013 at 7:30 pm.